Meclizine

What Is Meclizine?

Meclizine is the generic name for the prescription drug called Antivert and the over-the-counter (OTC) medicines known as Dramamine and Bonine. Meclizine is used to treat motion sickness and dizziness.

The drug belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, which are generally used to treat allergies. However, meclizine works a little differently, reducing nausea and muscle spasms.

Meclizine was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1957 under the brand name Antivert, manufactured by Citron Pharmaceuticals.

The 'Meclizine High' and Abuse

Because meclizine causes drowsiness, there may be potential for abuse.

Dramamine comes in two versions with different active ingredients. There is more concern about abuse of the original version of Dramamine, because it contains the antihistamine dimenhydrinate, which can cause euphoria and hallucinations at high doses.

The other Dramamine contains meclizine and is referred to as the "less drowsy" version.

Meclizine Warnings

Meclizine can create or worsen problems for some people. You should talk to your doctor before taking meclizine if:

You have an allergy to meclizine or any of its ingredients

You take other medications that dull the nervous system

You are a person of advanced age

If you live where there is extremely hot weather

Before taking meclizine, you should talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Poor kidney function

Poor liver function

Glaucoma or increased pressure between the eyes (intraocular pressure, or IOP)

Overactive thyroid

Heart disease

A breathing condition, such as asthma

Emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Blockage in your stomach or intestines

Acid reflux or stomach ulcers

Trouble urinating or an enlarged prostate

Blockage in the neck of your bladder

You should not take meclizine if you are taking any of the following:

Sodium oxybate (Xyrem), used to treat narcolepsy and some kinds of muscle problems

Meclizine Interactions

It is always important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your treatments, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications; vitamins, nutritional shakes, protein powders, and other supplements; herbal treatments or other alternative medicines; and any illegal or recreational drugs.

You should talk your doctor if you are taking allergy medications or any drugs for anxiety, mood, or depression, when taking meclizine, so you will know about special drug-interaction symptoms you need to monitor. These include:

Meclizine and Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking meclizine may worsen the side effects of the drug.

Meclizine and Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice is not likely to affect how meclizine works. Both the drug and grapefruit juice are broken down by the liver, but the process for each is different.

Meclizine and Other Interactions

In general, you should be careful taking meclizine if you are already taking medications that cause drowsiness, dry mouth, difficulty using the bathroom, or appear to slow the nervous system, because adding meclizine to your medications can make all of these symptoms worse.

Meclizine Dosage

Meclizine is available in 12.5 milligram (mg), 25 mg, and 50 mg tablets. Some meclizine tablets are available in chewable form.

Meclizine Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, you should contact a poison-control center or emergency room immediately. You can reach a poison-control center at (800) 222-1222.

Missed Dose of Meclizine

If you miss a dose of Meclizine, try to take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of the medication at the same time.

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